Which term describes a continuous membrane, or membrane with discontinuities created by protected openings, designed to restrict movement of smoke?

• A. FireBarrier
• B. Floor Fire Door Assembly
• C. Smoke Barrier
• D. Thermal Barrier

Answer: (C)

The term describes a boundary whose purpose is to limit how smoke can move through a building. A smoke barrier is a continuous wall or membrane, or one that has protected openings, specifically designed to restrict the spread of smoke between spaces. This boundary helps keep egress paths clearer and provides time for occupants to evacuate and for firefighters to operate.

This differs from a fire barrier, which is a fire-resistance-rated wall intended to slow the spread of fire itself, not necessarily focused on smoke movement. A floor fire door assembly is just a door within such barriers, not the barrier itself. A thermal barrier protects materials from heat but isn’t about restricting smoke spread.